Abstract: An apparatus including a sterilizable tray having a base and at least one fixture connected to the tray adapted for removably securing an implant insertion device to the tray. The tray can be free of a first wall portion for permitting the proximal end of an implantable device to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device for coupling to the implant insertion device and can be free of a second wall portion for permitting a tool to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device so as to threadedly couple the implant insertion device to the implantable device. Related methods and apparatus are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus including a sterilizable tray having a base and at least one fixture connected to the tray adapted for removably securing an implant insertion device to the tray. The tray can be free of a first wall portion for permitting the proximal end of an implantable device to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device for coupling to the implant insertion device and can be free of a second wall portion for permitting a tool to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device so as to threadedly couple the implant insertion device to the implantable device. Related methods and apparatus are provided.

Abstract: A wheeled ambulatory aid for mobility and training which is advanced via bodily contact. Reciprocating UE movement is enabled and reciprocating gait patterns can be performed. The patient mobility aid includes a frame, and at least first and second wheels operatively secured to and supporting the frame for selective rolling movement. First and second support assemblies are located on first and second sides of the frame, respectively. A reverse motion linkage operatively associated with the first and second support assemblies, the reverse motion linkage including a first state configured to provide independent between the first and second support assemblies, and a second state configured to provide interrelated movement between the first and second support assemblies to create symmetrical out of phase reciprocating UE movement. Support assemblies can variably be statically positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus including a sterilizable tray having a base and at least one fixture connected to the tray adapted for removably securing an implant insertion device to the tray. The tray can be free of a first wall portion for permitting the proximal end of an implantable device to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device for coupling to the implant insertion device and can be free of a second wall portion for permitting a tool to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device so as to threadedly couple the implant insertion device to the implantable device. Related methods and apparatus are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus including a sterilizable tray having a base and at least one fixture connected to the tray adapted for removably securing an implant insertion device to the tray. The tray can be free of a first wall portion for permitting the proximal end of an implantable device to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device for coupling to the implant insertion device and can be free of a second wall portion for permitting a tool to axially align with the end of the implant insertion device so as to threadedly couple the implant insertion device to the implantable device. Related methods and apparatus are provided.

Abstract: An implant insertion device including a body having a first portion for coupling to a proximal end of an intramedullary rod and a second portion extending in a spaced position from the intramedullary rod in the vicinity of an aperture in a proximal end of the rod when the rod is coupled to the first portion. The second portion can include a targeting assembly having a passageway for receiving a guide sleeve and for pivoting the guide sleeve relative to the aperture through an angular range for inserting the fastener into the aperture of the rod. An implant insertion device for use with an implantable device is additionally provided.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod for use in a mammalian body comprising an elongate nail having a stem and a head and a threaded element carried by the head and accessible at the proximal end for rotation relative to the head. A locking mechanism coupled to the threaded element and configured to preclude rotation of the threaded element relative to the head when the locking mechanism is in a first position and permit rotation of the threaded element relative to the head when the locking mechanism is in a second position.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod for use in a mammalian body comprising an elongate nail having a stem and a head and a threaded element carried by the head and accessible at the proximal end for rotation relative to the head. A locking mechanism coupled to the threaded element and configured to preclude rotation of the threaded element relative to the head when the locking mechanism is in a first position and permit rotation of the threaded element relative to the head when the locking mechanism is in a second position.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor features a stationary assembly, a rotating assembly supported on the stationary assembly, a fluid dynamic bearing system in a gap between the stationary and rotating assemblies, a radial capillary seal defined proximate a first end of the journal gap, and at least one re-circulation hole extending from the radial capillary seal to a second end of the journal gap. A single thrust shaft end bearing which pressurizes the shaft end to create an axial thrust bearing and drive bubbles in the fluid (where the fluid is a liquid) to the outer diameter of the shaft and into the recirculation path. The journal may be supported for rotation by dual sets of grooves; the dual groove asymmetry in the journal maintains a positive pressure between the journals.

Abstract: For a motor having liquid lubricated bearing surface(s), aspects include providing a column shaped Capillary Seal (CS) for storing and supply lubricating liquid to the bearing surface(s). The column shaped CS may have a cross-section substantially topologically equivalent to a circle. Aspects include disposing the column shaped CS between relatively rotational motor members or between relatively irrotational motor members. Other aspects include disposition of the column shaped CS in a spiral shape where one opening of the CS fluidicly communicates with the bearing surface and another opening vents to a gas environment. Still other aspects include disposing the column shaped CS circumferentially on surfaces of generally cylindrical shaped motor members. Such surfaces may oppose a second surface that is one of relatively rotational and relatively irrotational vis the surface. The column shaped CS may circumscribe an axis of a rotating member or may be disposed parallel to the axis of the rotating member.

Abstract: An active fluid bearing system is provided. In one example, the active fluid bearing system includes an interface region formed between an outer surface of an inner member and an opposing inner surface of an outer member. The inner and outer members are disposed for relative rotation of the inner and outer members, and thereby form an interface region having a hydrodynamic bearing region and an active bearing region. A liquid is disposed in the interface region at the hydrodynamic bearing region, and is further disposed in the active bearing region if the inner and outer members are not relatively rotating. The bearing system is operable for evacuating at least a portion of the liquid from the active bearing region during relative rotation of the inner and outer members. The active bearing region may be a journal bearing or a thrust bearing.

Abstract: Hybrid orbital fluid dynamic bearing motors are disclosed. The motors achieve improved efficiency advantages observed in fluid dynamic bearing motors containing an orbital ring. In addition, the hybrid orbital FDB motor has serial thrust bearings and traditional style journal bearings, which provide typically higher radial and angular stiffness not observed in previous orbital fluid dynamic bearing motor designs. Designs for centering orbital rings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal with a primary axis lying in the radial direction so that the fluid bearing is primarily extending in the axial direction between the rotating shaft and surrounding sleeve is disclosed. The capillary seal is positioned with an opening adjacent an end of the fluid bearing gap, and comprises two walls which diverge as they extend radially away from the fluid bearing so that the fluid held in the radial capillary seal is maintained adjacent an end of the gap, while the size of the reservoir defined by the diverging walls provides a large reservoir volume. The seal uses an additional capillary defined by a narrow annulus between the rotating shaft and a seal wall end. The narrow annulus establishes very high shock resistance preventing fluid loss past the outer axial wall of the radially capillary seal, and defines a small surface area from which evaporation can occur.

Abstract: To simplify fabrication of an integral hub piece, the opening between the upper and lower female cones in this hub has sufficient width or radial dimension to allow access to both cones from one side of the hub with the cutting tool. A cutting tool is used which has a width smaller than the opening between the cones. Preferably, the tool has a width which is about equal to or smaller than an angular dimension through this opening which is defined by extending surfaces of the upper and lower female cones. If this limitation is satisfied, both cones can be created with a single machine set up operating from one side of the integrated hub. Preferably the tool should only move orthogonal or parallel to the cutting tools rotational center axis.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fluid dynamic bearing system is provided. The system may include a first member and a second member disposed for relative rotation about an axis of rotation and having opposing substantially planar surfaces defining an axial gap. A bearing region is disposed circumferentially around the axis of rotation and a relatively large gap region is disposed circumferentially around the bearing region, the large gap region having an average gap distance greater than the bearing region. The large gap region further includes at least one support pad forming a localized narrow gap distance in the axial gap to provide support between the opposed surfaces at a radial distance greater than the bearing region. For example, the support pad may support the surfaces against an externally applied force or moment that may tilt one member relative to the other.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor features a stationary assembly, a rotating assembly supported on the stationary assembly, a fluid dynamic bearing system in a gap between the stationary and rotating assemblies, a radial capillary seal defined proximate a first end of the journal gap, and at least one re-circulation hole extending from the radial capillary seal to a second end of the journal gap. A single thrust shaft end bearing which pressurizes the shaft end to create an axial thrust bearing and drive bubbles in the fluid (where the fluid is a liquid) to the outer diameter of the shaft and into the recirculation path. The journal may be supported for rotation by dual sets of grooves; the dual groove asymmetry in the journal maintains a positive pressure between the journals.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing cartridge includes a shaft or sleeve adapted to be fixed in place has at least one fluid dynamic bearing supporting the shaft and one or more seals at either end of the shaft. The seal arrangements may include a pair of centrifugal capillary seals at either end of the shaft. Alternatively, a grooved pumping seal or centrifugal capillary seal at one end may be used in combination with a static capillary seal, especially where a journal bearing defined along the shaft near the capillary seal has an imbalanced groove section.

Abstract: A bearing having two surfaces (60, 72) rotatable with respect to each other, a lubrication medium located in a gap between the tow surfaces during rotation of the bearing and a sinusoidal groove pattern (20) formed on one of the tow surfaces to distribute the lubrication medium over the surface of the bearing and create a pressure distribution in the bearing to create a stiff hydrodynamic bearing.